ASSOCIATION  OF  RAILWAY  TELEGRAPH  SUPERINTENDENTS 


SPECIFICATIONS  FOR  CROSSINGS  OF  WIRES 
OR  CABLES  OF  TELEGRAPH,  TELEPHONE, 
SIGNAL  AND  OTHER  CIRCUITS  OF  SIMILAR 
CHARACTER  OVER  STEAM  RAILROAD 
RIGHTS  OF  WAY,  TRACKS,  OR  LINES  OF 
WIRES  OF  THE  SAME  CLASSES 


ADOPTED  IN  CONVENTION  AT  SAINT  LOUIS,  MISSOURI,  MAY  20,  1913 


17 


stacks 


t- 


1.  SCOPE. 


ft6*\s 


These  specifications  cover  the  construction  and  maintenance  of  lines  of  aerial  wires  or  cables 
of  telegraph,  telephone,  signal,  and  all  other  electric  wires  of  similar  character  crossing  steam 
railroad  rights  of  way,  tracks,  or  lines  of  wires  of  the  classes  mentioned  above.  They  prescribe 
the  standard  practice  to  be  followed.  In  matters  not  specifically  prescribed,  or  when  local  con¬ 
ditions  make  the  prescribed  practice  impracticable,  they  shall  be  met  by  methods  that  will  provide 
equivalent  security  and  protection  of  life  and  property. 

Wires  covered  by  these  specifications  shall  not  carry  more  than  550  volts. 


2.  DRAWINGS. 

Complete  drawings  shall  be  furnished  in  duplicate  before  construction  is  commenced. 
These  drawings  shall  show  the  general  plan  of  the  right  of  way,  tracks,  and  wires  to  be  crossed 
and  the  construction  proposed,  including  the  locations  of  the  poles  supporting  the  crossing  span  and 
the  adjoining  spans  on  either  side  of  the  crossing  span,  the  number,  kind  and  size  of  wires,  and 
the  proposed  clearances  of  the  existing  tracks  and  wires. 


3.  LOCATION  OF  POLES. 

(a)  Spans  crossing  railroad  rights  of  way  preferably  should  be  supported  upon  poles  placed 
outside  of  the  right  of  way;  but  spans  over  tracks,  and  one  span  adjoining  them  on  each  side,  should 
not  exceed  one  hundred  and  twenty-five  (125)  feet  in  length.  When  impracticable  to  obtain  a 
span  of  125  feet  the  length  of  the  crossing  span  shall  be  as  short  as  practicable,  but  shall  not  exceed 
175  feet,  and  the  material,  size  and  sag  of  conductors  shall  meet  the  requirements  hereinafter 
specified.  When  the  span  length  exceeds  125  feet  the  spans  adjoining  the  crossing  span  should 
not  exceed  110  feet. 

(b)  Wherever  practicable,  the  poles  supporting  the  crossing  span  and  the  adjoining  span 
on  each  side  thereof  shall  be  in  a  straight  line  and  the  angle  between  the  crossing  line  and  the  rail¬ 
road  tracks  or  pole  line  shall  not  be  less  than  forty-five  (45)  degrees. 

(c)  The  poles  shall  be  located  as  far  as  practicable  from  inflammable  materials  or  structures . 

(d)  The  side  clearance  shall  not  be  less  than  eight  (8)  feet  from  the  nearest  rail  of  the  main 
track  nor  less  than  six  (6)  feet  from  the  nearest  rail  of  any  side  track. 

4.  POSITION  AND  CLEARANCE  OF  WIRES  AND  CABLES. 

(a)  Wires  and  cables  shall  give  a  clearance  of  not  less  than  twenty-five  (25)  feet  above 
the  rail,  under  the  most  unfavorable  conditions  of  temperature  and  loading. 

(b)  The  clearance  of  wires  and  cables  from  any  existing  wire  shall  not  be  less  than  two  (2) 
feet,  under  the  most  unfavorable  conditions  of  temperature  and  loading. 


5.  POLES. 

Wooden  poles  shall  be  of  one  piece  of  selected  timber,  peeled,  reasonably  straight,  and  free 
from  defects  which  would  decrease  their  strength  or  durability.  Poles  of  various  kinds  of  timber 
shall  have  the  following  dimensions  at  the  top  and  six  (6)  feet  from  the  butt : 


EASTERN  WHITE  CEDAR: 

Length 

Not  Over 

Not  Over 

Not  Over 

Not  Over 

of  Poles 

12  Wires 

20  Wires 

40  Wires 

80  Wires 

Minimum  Top  Circumference . 

17  X" 

18#" 

22" 

24" 

Minimum  Circumference  6  Feet  from  Butt 

20' 

25K" 

27" 

22' 

27" 

28^" 

30" 

25' 

28" 

30" 

32" 

36" 

30' 

31" 

33" 

36" 

40" 

35' 

34" 

36" 

38" 

43" 

40' 

37" 

40" 

43" 

47" 

45' 

40" 

43" 

47" 

50" 

50' 

42' 

46" 

50" 

53" 

55' 

45" 

49" 

53" 

56" 

60' 

52" 

56" 

59" 

1 


WESTERN  CEDAR: 


Minimum  Top  Circumference . 

Minimum  Circumference  6  Feet  from  Butt 


CHESTNUT: 

Minimum  Top  Circumference . 

Minimum  Circumference  6  Feet  from  Butt 


OTHER  KINDS: 


Length 

Not  Over 

Not  Over 

Not  Over 

Not  Over 

of  Poles 

12  Wires 

20  Wires 

40  Wires 

80  Wires 

18#" 

22" 

25" 

28" 

20' 

24" 

26" 

22' 

25" 

27" 

30" 

25' 

26" 

28" 

31" 

34" 

30' 

28" 

30" 

34" 

37" 

35' 

30" 

32" 

36" 

40" 

40' 

32" 

34" 

38" 

43" 

45' 

34" 

36" 

40" 

45" 

50' 

36" 

38" 

42" 

47" 

55' 

38" 

40" 

44" 

49" 

60' 

39" 

41" 

46" 

52" 

Length 

Not  Over 

Not  Over 

Not  Over 

Not  Ovei 

of  Poles 

12  Wires 

20  Wires 

40  Wires 

80  Wires 

20" 

20" 

22" 

24"* 

20' 

24" 

27" 

22' 

25" 

28#" 

31" 

25' 

27" 

30" 

33" 

37" 

30' 

31" 

33" 

36" 

40" 

35' 

35" 

36" 

40" 

43" 

40' 

39" 

40" 

43" 

45" 

45' 

43" 

43" 

47" 

48" 

50' 

46" 

46" 

50" 

51" 

55' 

49" 

53" 

54" 

60' 

56" 

57" 

*55'  and  60'  poles  to  carry  not 

over  80  wires,  22". 

Poles  of  other  kinds  of  timber  or  other  material  and  construction  shall  have  at  least  the  same 
strength  and  durability  as  those  specified  above. 


6.  WIRE  LOADS. 

Each  aerial  telegraph,  telephone  or  signal  wire  shall  be  counted  as  one  wire,  without  regard 
to  size  or  kind,  up  to  and  including  No.  8  B.  W.  G.  Wires  of  larger  size  shall  be  considered  as  the 
number  of  No.  8  B.  W.  G.  copper  wires  to  which  they  are  equivalent  in  weight.  The  number  of 
aerial  wires  equivalent  to  a  cable  shall  be  determined  by  multiplying  the  circumference  of  the 
cable,  in  inches,  by  three  (3). 

Each  twisted  pair  shall  be  considered  as  one  wire  and  each  messenger  wire  supporting 
twisted  pair  wiring  shall  be  considered  as  one  wire.  Not  more  than  two  messenger  wires  shall  be 
attached  to  either  pole  of  the  crossing  span. 

7.  SETTING  POLES. 

Poles  shall  be  set  to  the  following  depths: 

Length  Depth  in  Depth  in 

of  Poles  Earth  Solid  Rock 


20' 

4' 

3' 

22' 

4#' 

3' 

25' 

5' 

3' 

30' 

5#' 

3#1 

35' 

6' 

4' 

40' 

6' 

4' 

45' 

6#' 

4#' 

50' 

7' 

4  #' 

55' 

7#' 

5' 

60' 

8' 

5' 

2 


Great  care  shall  be  taken  to  secure  firm  foundations.  Exposure  to  washouts  shall  be  avoided. 
Poles  should  not  be  set  in  a  sloping  bank,  but  if  it  be  unavoidable,  the  depth  of  each  hole  shall  be 
measured  from  the  lowest  side  of  the  opening.  When  the  slope  of  the  bank  is  greater  than  forty- 
five  (45)  degrees,  or  when  the  earth  is  so  soft  that  it  is  possible  that  the  pole  may  press  out  of  the 
bank,  the  pole  shall  be  set  six  (6)  inches  deeper  than  is  specified  in  the  above  table.  Wherever 
ordinary  methods  do  not  provide  secure  setting  for  poles,  artificial  foundations  and  extraordinary 
methods  shall  be  used  to  secure  stability. 

Holes  shall  be  dug  large  enough  to  admit  the  poles  without  stabbing  or  hewing  and  shall 
be  full  size  at  the  bottom  to  allow  the  use  of  tampers.  The  dirt  shall  be  filled  in  evenly  around  the 
poles  and  thoroughly  tamped  as  the  holes  are  filled.  Soil  shall  then  be  piled  around  the  poles 
above  the  surface  and  firmly  packed.  Poles  set  in  rock  shall  have  the  rock  firmly  wedged  around 
them. 


8.  FITTING  POLES. 

The  top  of  each  pole  shall  be  roofed. 

On  round  poles  gains  shall  be  provided  for  all  cross  arms.  They  shall  be  of  proper  width 
for  the  cross  arms  used,  and  one-half  (£)  inch  deep. 

The  center  of  the  upper  gain  shall  be  at  least  ten  (10)  inches  below  the  apex  of  the  roof. 


9.  GUYS. 

(a)  Poles  supporting  the  crossing  span  shall  be  side-guyed  in  both  directions,  if  practica¬ 
ble,  and  be  head-guyed  away  from  the  crossing  span.  Braces  may  be  used  instead  of  guys. 

(b)  Guys,  shall  be  of  galvanized  steel  wire  or  stranded  steel  cable,  and  their  strength  and 
number  shall  be  as  follows : 


Number  of  Wires 


Strength  and  Number 
of  Head  Guys 


Strength  and  Number 
of  Side  Guys 


1  to  2  inclusive  1  No.  6  B.  W.  G.  steel  wire .  1  No.  6  B.  W.  G.  steel 

wire  each  side. 

3  to  12  inclusive  1  4000  pounds .  1  4000  pounds  each  side. 

13  to  40  inclusive  1  6000  pounds .  1  6000  pounds  each  side. 

41  to  50  inclusive  1  10000  pounds  or  2  6000  pounds  1  6000  pounds  each  side. 

51  to  80  inclusive  1  16000  pounds  or  2  10000  pounds  1  10000  pounds  or 

2  6000  pounds  each  side. 


Guys  shall  be  attached  to  galvanized  iron  rods  of  the  following  dimensions: 


SIZE  OF  GUY  SIZE  OF  GUY  ROD 


No.  6  B.  W.  G.  steel  wire . 6'  x 

4000  lbs.  strand . 6'  x 

6000  lbs.  strand . 8'  x  §" 

10000  lbs.  strand  or  two  6000  lbs.  strand . 8'  x  §" 

16000  lbs.  strand  or  two  10000  lbs.  strand . 9'  x  f" 

(c)  Anchor  rods  shall  be  fastened  to  anchor  logs  of  sound  materials.  Excavations  in  earth 
for  anchor  logs  shall  be  of  the  dimensions  given  in  the  following  table,  depending  on  the  sizes  of 
guy  rods  and  anchor  logs  used : 


3 


Number  of 
Guy  Rods 


Size  of 
Guy  Rods 


Depth  of  Excava-  Length  and  Breadth 
tion  for  Anchor  of  Anchor  Logs 

Logs 


1 


1 


2 


3 


^  inch 


f  inch 


f  inch 


f  inch 


'  4*  ft. 

5  ft.  x  6 

4  “  /  5  “  x  8 

17"x6 

3§  “ 

5  “  x  12 
7  “  x  9 
9  “  x  7 

6  ft. 

5  ft.  x  10 
7  “  x  7 

5  “ 

5  “  x  16 
8  “  x  10 

4  “ 

5  “  x  23 
8  “  x  14 
10  “  x  12 

6  ft. 

'  5  ft.  x  14 

6  “  x  12 

7  “  x  10 

5  “ 

6  “  x  16 

8  “  x  14 

9  “  x  12 

6  ft. 

6  ft.  x  16 

8  “  x  14 

9  “  x  12 

1 


£  inch 


6  ft. 


6  ft.  x  12  in. 


The  length  and  width  of  each  excavation  shall  be  as  small  as  possible,  especially  at  the 
surface  of  the  ground. 


(d)  Guy  stubs  may  be  used  only  where  it  is  necessary  to  raise  guys  above  obstacles  or  to 
prevent  the  obstruction  of  thoroughfares.  They  shall  be  good,  strong  poles.  In  no  case  shall 
the  guy  stub  be  smaller  in  diameter  at  the  top  than  the  pole  it  supports.  They  shall  be  set  to 
lean  away  from  the  poles  they  reinforce,  and  shall  be  anchor  guyed  with  guys  equivalent  to  the 
pole  guys  of  the  poles  they  support  except  that  when  a  stub  cannot  be  anchored  an  extra  large  stub 
shall  be  used  and  it  shall  be  set  at  least  six  (6)  feet  in  the  ground  and  be  braced  by  a  footing  or 
underground  brace  of  proper  dimensions. 

In  general,  the  method  of  anchoring,  location  of  anchors  and  depth  and  character  of  setting 
shall  be  such  as  will  render  effective  the  full  strength  of  the  guy. 

Guy  anchors  shall  be  placed  at  a  distance  from  the  poles  they  reinforce,  measured  at  the 
ground  line,  of  not  less  than  one-third  (£)  the  height  of  the  guy  above  the  ground  at  the  pole. 

On  poles  carrying  one  or  two  cross  arms,  both  head  and  side  guys  shall  be  attached  under 
the  upper  cross  arm.  On  poles  carrying  more  than  two  cross  arms  the  first  head  guy  shall  be 
attached  below  the  second  cross  arm  and  successive  head  guys  under  the  fourth  and  sixth  cross 
arms.  On  poles  carrying  more  than  two  cross  arms,  side  guys  shall  be  attached  below  the  second 
cross  arm. 


4 


Digitized  by  the  Internet  Archive 
in  2017  with  funding  from 

University  of  Illinois  Urbana-Champaign  Alternates 


https://archive.org/details/specificationsfoOOasso 


Stranded  guys  shall  be  attached  to  guy  rods  with  thimbles  and  fastened  as  shown  in  the 
following  table : 


Number  of  Clamps 


Kind  of  Strand 

4,000  lbs. 
6,000  lbs. 
10,000  lbs. 
16,000  lbs. 


Dead  Ended  on 
Pole  or  Stub 

1  two-bolt  or  1  three-bolt 

1  three-bolt 

2  three-bolt 
2  three-bolt 


Dead  Ended  on 
Thimble 

1  two-bolt  or  1  three-bolt 

1  three-bolt 

2  three-bolt 

3  three-bolt 


The  end  of  the  guy  attached  to  the  pole  shall  be  wrapped  twice  around  the  pole,  and  the 
wrapping  held  in  place  on  the  back  of  the  pole  by  staples  or  their  equivalent. 

(e)  Braces  shall  have  top  dimensions  not  less  than  the  top  dimensions  of  the  poles  they 
reinforce.  Each  brace  shall  be  set  so  that  the  “  lead  ”  will  not  be  less  than  one-third  (|)  the  height 
of  the  brace  above  the  ground,  measured  horizontally  at  the  ground  line,  of  the  pole  supported, 
shall  be  attached  to  the  pole  it  braces,  for  one  arm,  just  below  the  first  gain,  for  two  arms,  just 
below  the  second  gain,  for  four  arms  or  more,  just  below  the  fourth  gain,  and  be  fastened  by  a 
cross  arm  bolt  placed  at  the  lower  end  of  the  heel  bevel  where  the  brace  is  in  contact  with  the  pole. 

The  butt  of  each  push  brace  shall  be  set  at  least  three  and  one-half  (3^)  feet  in  the  ground 
and  be  supported  on  planks,  logs,  large  stones  or  solid  rock  ledge. 

The  butt  of  each  push  and  pull  brace  shall  be  set  to  a  depth  of  at  least  six  (6)  feet  in  the 
ground  and  a  cross  log  at  least  five  (5)  feet  long  and  not  less  than  eight  (8)  inches  in  diameter  shall 
be  attached  to  it  by  a  cross  arm  bolt  not  less  than  eight  (8)  inches  from  the  butt  of  the  brace.  When 
the  pole  carries  more  than  twenty  (20)  wires,  five  (5)  wraps  of  No.  8  B.  W.  G.  galvanized  iron  wire 
shall  be  placed  around  the  pole  and  brace  immediately  below  their  junction. 


10.  CROSS  ARMS. 

(a)  Description. 

Wooden  cross  arms  shall  be  of  sound  material,  preferably  Western  fir  of  cross-section  not 
less  than  2^"x3^"  for  six  (6)  foot  arms  or  shorter,  for  arms  longer  than  six  feet.  Other 

timber  may  be  used  provided  it  is  equal  to  Western  fir  of  these  dimensions  in  strength  and  durability. 
Arms  shall  not  exceed  ten  (10)  feet  in  length  and  shall  not  support  more  than  ten  (10)  wires. 

(b)  Method  of  attaching  to  poles. 

Double  cross  arms  shall  be  used  on  all  the  poles  supporting  crossing  spans  and  shall  be  so 
attached  as  to  be  maintained  at  right  angles  to  the  poles.  Each  pole  shall  be  gained  on  both  sides 
and  each  pair  of  cross  arms  fastened  to  the  pole  with  one  five-eighths  (f )  inch  cross  arm  or  through 
bolt.  Cross  arm  braces  must  be  attached  to  at  least  one  of  each  pair  of  double  cross  arms.  Blocks 
of  the  same  section  as  and  preferably  consisting  of  pieces  of  cross  arms  or  of  iron  pipe,  of  such  length 
as  to  fit  tightly,  shall  be  placed  between  each  pair  of  double  arms  and  eight  (8)  inches  from  each 
end  thereof  and  secured  in  place  by  five-eighths  (f)  inch  cross  arm  or  through  bolts  extending 
through  both  arms  and  lengthwise  through  the  blocks  or  pipes.  Each  bolt  shall  be  provided  with 
two  square  washers,  one  to  be  placed  under  the  head  of  the  bolt  and  the  other  between  the 
nut  and  the  cross  arm.  When  pipe  is  used  two  additional  washers  shall  be  provided,  one  to  be 
placed  at  each  end  of  the  pipe. 

(c)  Cross  arm  braces. 

Cross  arm  braces  shall  be  steel  or  iron  not  less  than  A^xl  1'V"x26"  long,  each  secured  to  the 
pole  by  a  fetter  drive  screw  or  lag  bolt  not  less  than  and  to  the  cross  arm  by  a  lag  bolt  not 

less  than  2}4"  long  or  a  carriage  bolt  not  less  than  4"x§",  except  that  when  the  arms  are  so 
spaced  that  the  braces  cannot  be  attached  to  the  poles  in  this  manner,  they  shall  be  fastened  verti¬ 
cally  to  the  arms  at  points  situated  two-thirds  of  the  distance  from  the  center  of  the  pole  to  the  end 
of  the  arm,  and  in  addition  a  pair  of  braces  shall  be  attached  in  the  usual  manner  to  the  bottom  arm 
and  the  pole. 

11.  PINS. 

The  pins  used  on  the  arms  next  to  the  crossing  shall  be  of  steel,  combination  wood  and 
metal  or  locust. 


5 


(a)  Steel  pins. 

A  steel  pin  may  be  a  steel  spindle  8f except  shoulder,  which  is  f"  with  \yi"  base, 
together  with  round  washer,  nut  and  cap  of  split  oak  wood,  or  other  device  of  equal  strength  and 
durability. 

(b)  Combination  wood  and  metal  pins. 

A  combination  wood  and  metal  pin  may  be  a  wooden  pin,  minimum  diameter  of  shank 
,  maximum  length  9",  with  a  hole  bored  lengthwise  through  its  center  in  which  is  inserted  a 
yZ"  bolt,  10"  long,  equipped  with  a  lyi"  washer,  or  other  device  of  equal  strength  and  durability. 
The  wood  in  the  pin  shall  be  equal  to  locust  in  strength  and  durability. 

(c)  Locust  pins. 

Locust  pins  are  to  be  of  sound  straight  grain  locust,  minimum  cross  section  of  shank 
\yi" ,  maximum  length  8". 

12.  HARDWARE. 

All  pole  line  hardware  shall  be  galvanized;  and  when  exposed  to  corrosive  influences 
materially  greater  than  those  resulting  from  the  action  of  the  natural  elements,  steel  pins  shall  be 
galvanized,  or  heavier  pins  than  the  standard  specified  in  section  10  of  these  specifications  shall 
be  used.  Galvanizing  shall  be  applied  in  accordance  with  the  specifications  for  galvanizing  iron 
and  steel  shown  in  the  appendix. 

13.  INSULATORS. 

Each  insulator  shall  be  of  such  pattern  and  design  that  when  mounted  it  will  withstand, 
without  injury  or  without  being  pulled  off  the  pin,  the  maximum  stress  to  which  it  will  be  subjected 
with  conductor  attached,  under  the  most  unfavorable  conditions  of  temperature  and  loading. 


14.  WIRE. 

(a)  Kinds  and  sizes. 

The  line  wires  in  the  crossing  span  and  in  the  next  adjoining  span  on  each  side  thereof  shall 
be  of  galvanized  iron,  hard  drawn  copper,  or  of  copper  covered  steel  of  specifications  satisfactory  to 
the  parties.  Iron  wire  shall  not  be  used  where  the  exposure  to  corrosive  influences  is  materially 
greater  than  that  resulting  from  the  action  of  the  natural  elements.  The  minimum  size  of  wire 
which  may  be  used  at  any  crossing  shall  be  as  given  in  the  following  table: 


GALVANIZED 

LENGTH  OF  CROSSING  SPAN  IRON  WIRE 


HARD  DRAWN 
COPPER  WIRE 


150  feet  or  less .  No.  10  B.  W.  G.  No.  10B.&S. 

151  feet  to  175  feet .  No.  8  B.  W.  G.  No.  9B.&S. 


Twisted  pair  wire,  when  not  supported  by  messenger  wire,  shall  be  of  hard  drawn  tinned 
copper,  not  smaller  than  No.  14  B.  &  S.  Gauge,  or  of  tinned  copper  covered  steel  of  specifications 
satisfactory  to  the  parties,  not  smaller  than  No.  17  B.  &  S  .Gauge.  In  no  case  shall  twisted  pair 
wire  be  used  in  spans  longer  than  one  hundred  (100)  feet  without  a  messenger  wire  support. 

No  joint  or  splice  shall  be  permitted  in  any  of  the  crossing  spans. 

(b)  Sags. 

The  minimum  sag  of  wires  in  crossing  spans  shall  correspond  to  the  span  length  and  the 
temperature  at  which  it  is  strung,  as  specified  in  the  following  table : 


TEMPERATURE 


LENGTH  OF  SPAN  100°  F 

80°  F 

60°  F 

40°  F 

20°  F 

o 

o 

-20°  F 

75'.. 

.  4K" 

3" 

2^" 

2" 

2" 

1#" 

1" 

100'. . 

.  7" 

5}4" 

4>£" 

4" 

3" 

2^" 

2" 

115'. . 

.  9" 

7" 

5  y2" 

4^" 

3^" 

3" 

2^" 

125'.. 

.  11" 

8j^" 

7" 

6" 

5" 

4" 

3^" 

150'.. 

.  14" 

11^" 

9" 

I'A" 

6  y2" 

5^" 

5" 

175'.. 

.  18" 

(c)  Method  of  attaching. 

15" 

12" 

10" 

9" 

TA” 

6  W 

Each  wire  shall  be  attached  to  each  insulator  of  its  pair  upon  the  double  arm. 


6 


(d)  Ties. 

Tie  wires  for  copper  or  copper  covered  steel  line  wire  shall  be  of  the  same  gauge  as  the  line 
wire  and  of  soft  copper  or  of  hard  drawn  copper  which  has  been  thoroughly  annealed.  Iron  tie 
wires  for  No.  8  B.  W.  G.  line  wire  or  larger  shall  be  No.  9  B.  W.  G.  For  smaller  sizes  of  iron  wire 
the  tie  wires  shall  be  of  the  same  gauge  as  the  line  wires. 

15.  CABLES. 

(a)  Size  of  Strand. 

Galvanized  steel  stranded  cable  having  a  breaking  strength  of  not  less  than  6000  pounds  shall 
be  used  to  support  conductor  cable  of  50  pairs  of  No.  19  B.  &  S.  Gauge  copper  wire  or  its  equiva¬ 
lent  and  smaller,  of  not  less  than  10,000  pounds  breaking  strength  for  pairs  in  excess  thereof  up  to 
100  pairs  No.  19  B.  &  S.  Gauge  copper  wire  or  its  equivalent,  and  not  less  than  16,000  pounds 
breaking  strength  for  larger  sizes. 

(b)  Sag. 

Cables  shall  be  suspended  with  minimum  sag  as  follows : 


SPAN 


MINIMUM  SAG 


IN  FEET 

80  or  less 

90 . 

100 . 

110 . 

120 . 

130 . 

140 . 

150 . 

175 . 


IN  INCHES 

. 16 

. 20 

. 22 

. 26 

. 30 

. 34 

. 40 

. 44 

. 62 


16.  INSPECTION. 

Every  facility  for  the  inspection  of  the  materials  and  workmanship  shall  be  furnished  the 
Railroad  Company. 

17.  MAINTENANCE. 

The  crossing  shall  be  maintained  in  safe  condition.  The  poles,  cross  arms,  insulators,  guys, 
wires  and  other  parts  and  materials  used  in  the  structure  of  the  crossing  shall  be  periodically 
inspected  and  all  defects  shall  be  promptly  repaired  by  the  owner  of  the  line.  The  guys  and 
anchors  shall  be  maintained  so  that  the  guys  are  kept  taut  and  serve  the  purpose  for  which  they 
are  intended.  The  line  wires  shall  be  kept  to  the  proper  sag.  Underbrush,  grass,  or  other 
inflammable  material  shall  be  kept  removed  from  the  poles  for  a  sufficient  distance  to  reduce  the 
fire  hazard  to  the  minimum. 


7 


APPENDIX. 


SPECIFICATIONS  FOR  GALVANIZING  FOR  IRON  OR  STEEL. 

These  specifications  give  in  detail  the  test  to  be  applied  to  galvanized  material.  All  speci¬ 
mens  shall  be  capable  of  withstanding  these  tests. 

A.  Coating.  The  galvanizing  shall  consist  of  a  continuous  coating  of  pure  zinc  of  uniform 
thickness,  and  so  applied  that  it  adheres  firmly  to  the  surface  of  the  iron  or  steel.  The  finished 
product  shall  be  smooth. 

B.  Cleaning.  The  samples  shall  be  cleaned  before  testing,  first  with  carbona,  benzine  or 
turpentine,  and  cotton  waste  (not  with  a  brush),  and  then  thoroughly  rinsed  in  clean  water  and 
wiped  dry  with  clean  cotton  waste. 

The  sample  shall  be  clean  and  dry  before  each  immersion  in  the  solution. 

C.  Solution.  The  standard  solution  of  copper  sulphate  shall  consist  of  commercial  copper 
sulphate  crystals  dissolved  in  cold  water,  about  in  the  proportion  of  thirty-six  parts,  by  weight, 
of  crystals  to  100  parts,  by  weight,  of  water.  The  solution  shall  be  neutralized  by  the  addition  of 
an  excess  of  chemically  pure  cupric  oxide  (CuO).  The  presence  of  an  excess  of  cupric  oxide  will 
be  shown  by  the  sediment  of  this  reagent  at  the  bottom  of  the  containing  vessel. 

The  neutralized  solution  shall  be  filtered  before  using  by  passing  through  filter  paper.  The 
filtered  solution  shall  have  a  specific  gravity  of  1.186  at  65  degrees  Fahrenheit  (reading  the  scale 
at  the  level  of  the  solution)  at  the  beginning  of  each  test.  In  case  the  filtered  solution  is  high  in 
specific  gravity,  clean  water  shall  be  added  to  reduce  the  specific  gravity  to  1.186  at  65  degrees 
Fahrenheit.  In  case  the  filtered  solution  is  low  in  specific  gravity,  filtered  solution  of  a  higher 
specific  gravity  shall  be  added  to  make  the  specific  gravity  1.186  at  65  degrees  Fahrenheit. 

As  soon  as  the  stronger  solution  is  taken  from  the  vessel  containing  the  unfiltered  neutralized 
stock  solution,  additional  crystals  and  water  must  be  added  to  the  stock  solution.  An  excess  of 
cupric  oxide  shall  always  be  kept  in  the  unfiltered  stock  solution. 

D.  Quantity  of  Solution.  Wire  samples  shall  be  tested  in  a  glass  jar  of  at  least  two  (2)  inches 
inside  diameter.  The  jar  without  the  wire  samples  shall  be  filled  with  standard  solution  to  a  depth 
of  at  least  four  (4)  inches.  Hardware  samples  shall  be  tested  in  a  glass  or  earthenware  jar  contain¬ 
ing  at  least  one-half  pint  of  standard  solution  for  each  hardware  sample. 

Solution  shall  not  be  used  for  more  than  one  series  of  four  immersions. 


E.  Samples.  Not  more  than  seven  wires  shall  be  simultaneously  immersed,  and  not  more 
than  one  sample  of  galvanized  material  other  than  wire  shall  be  immersed  in  the  specified  quantity 
of  solution. 

The  samples  shall  not  be  grouped  or  twisted  together,  but  shall  be  well  separated  so  as  to  per¬ 
mit  the  action  of  the  solution  to  be  uniform  upon  all  immersed  portions  of  the  samples. 

F.  Test.  Clean  and  dry  samples  shall  be  immersed  in  the  required  quantity  of  standard 
solution  in  accordance  with  the  following  cycle  of  immersions. 

The  temperature  of  the  solution  shall  be  maintained  between  62  degrees  and  68  degrees  Fahren¬ 
heit  at  all  times  during  the  following  test : 

First.  Immerse  for  one  minute,  wash  and  wipe  dry. 

Second.  Immerse  for  one  minute,  wash  and  wipe  dry. 

Third.  Immerse  for  one  minute,  wash  and  wipe  dry. 

Fourth.  Immerse  for  one  minute,  wash  and  wipe  dry. 

After  each  immersion  the  samples  shall  be  immediately  washed  in  clean  water  having  a  temper¬ 
ature  between  62  degrees  and  68  degrees  Fahrenheit,  and  wiped  dry  with  cotton  waste. 

G.  Rejection.  If  after  the  test  described  in  Section  “F”  there  should  be  a  bright  metallic 
copper  deposit  upon  the  samples,  the  lot  represented  by  the  sample  shall  be  rejected. 

Copper  deposits  on  zinc  or  within  one  inch  of  the  cut  end  shall  not  be  considered  causes  for 
rejection. 

In  the  case  of  a  failure  of  only  one  wire  in  a  group  of  seven  wires  immersed  together,  or  if  there 
is  a  reasonable  doubt  as  to  the  copper  deposit,  two  check  tests  shall  be  made  on  these  seven  wires 
and  the  lot  reported  in  accordance  with  the  majority  of  the  sets  of  tests. 

NOTE. 

The  equipment  necessary  for  the  tests  herein  outlined  is  as  follows: 

Filter  paper. 

Commercial  copper  sulphate  crystals. 

Chemically  pure  cupric  oxide  (CuO). 

Running  water. 

Warm  water  or  ice  as  per  needs. 

Carbona,  benzine  or  turpentine. 

Glass  jars  at  least  two  inches  inside  diameter  by  at  least  four  and  one-half  inches  high. 

Glass  or  earthenware  jars  for  hardware  samples. 

Vessel  for  washing  samples. 

Tray  for  holding  jars  of  stock  solution. 

Jars,  bottles  and  porcelain  basket  for  stock  solution. 

Cotton  waste. 

Hydrometer  cylinder  three  inches  diameter  by  fifteen  inches  high. 

Thermometer  with  large  Fahrenheit  scale  correct  at  62  and  68  degrees. 

Hydrometer  correct  at  1.186  at  65  degrees  Fahrenheit. 


JOINT  COMMITTEE 


G.  A.  CELLAR,  Chairman,  Superintendent  of  Telegraph,  Pennsylvania  Lines  West  of  Pittsburgh, 
Pittsburgh,  Pa. 

C.  C.  ANTHONY,  Assistant  Signal  Engineer,  Pennsylvania  Railroad  Company,  and  Member 
Railway  Signal  Association,  Philadelphia,  Pa. 

W.  W.  ASHALD,  Superintendent  of  Telegraph,  Grand  Trunk  Railway  System,  Montreal,  Quebec. 

WM.  BENNETT,  Superintendent  of  Telegraph,  Chicago  and  North  Western  Railway  Company, 
Chicago,  Illinois. 

W.  I.  CAPEN,  Fourth  Vice-President,  Postal  Telegraph-Cable  Company,  New  York  City. 

R.  E.  CHETWOOD,  Plant  Engineer,  The  Western  Union  Telegraph  Company,  New  York  City. 
M.  H.  CLAPP,  Superintendent  of  Telegraph,  Northern  Pacific  Railway  Company,  St.  Paul,  Minn. 

G.  A.  DORNBERG,  Chief  Lineman,  Pennsylvania  Lines  West  of  Pittsburgh,  Pittsburgh,  Pa. 

S.  A.  D.  FORRISTALL,  Superintendent  of  Telegraph,  Boston  &  Maine  Railroad  Company, 

Boston,  Mass. 

E.  C.  KEENAN,  General  Superintendent  of  Telegraph,  New  York  Central  Lines  West  of  Buffalo, 

Chicago,  Illinois. 

V.  T.  KISSINGER,  Superintendent  of  Telegraph,  C.,  B.  &  Q.  Ry.  Company,  Chicago,  Illinois. 

F.  L.  RHODES,  Outside  Plant  Engineer,  American  Telephone  and  Telegraph  Company,  New 

York  City. 

C.  SELDEN,  Superintendent  of  Telegraph,  Baltimore  &  Ohio  Railroad  Company,  Baltimore, 
Maryland. 

J.  M.  WALDRON,  Signal  Engineer,  Interborough  Rapid  Transit  Company,  and  Member  Railway 
Signal  Association,  New  York  City. 

H.  S.  WARREN,  Electrical  Engineer,  American  Telephone  and  Telegraph  Company,  New  York  City. 

L.  S.  WELLS,  Superintendent  of  Telegraph  and  Electricity,  Long  Island  Railroad  Company,  New 
York  City. 


subject: 


Specifications  for  Telephone,  Telegraph,  and  similar  wires 


crossing  Railroads, 

American  Telephone  and  Telegraph  Company. 

15  Dey  Street.  , 

J  CARTY, 

CHIEF  ENGINEER. 

NewYork.  July  21,  1913. 

Mr.  George  A.  Cellar,  Chairman,  Wire  Crossing  Committee, 
Association  Of  Railway  Telegraph  Superintendents, 

1003  Penn  Avenue, 
Pittsburgh,  Pa. 

Dear  Sir:- 

Replying  to  your  letter  of  -the  11th  of  this  month 
regarding  the  specifications  for  crossings  of  wires  or  cables 
of  telegraph,  telephone,  signal,  and  other  circuits  of  similar 
character  over  steam  railroad  rights  of  way,  tracks,  or  lines  of 
wires  of  the  same  classes,  drawn  by  the  Wire  Crossing  Committee  of 
the  Association  of  Railway  Telegraph  Superintendents  and  accepted 
by  that  Association  in  convention  during  May  of  this  year,  I  will 
state  that  the  above  mentioned  specifications  have  the  approval  of 
this  department. 


FLR./NFS 


POSTAL  TELEGRAPH-CABLE  COMPANY. 


EXECUTIVE  OFFICES, 
253  Broadway. 


I.  CAPEN 


FOURTH  VICE' PRC  SIDt  NT 


New  York,  July  19th,  1913. 


Mr.  G.  A.  Cellar, 

Chairman,  Wire  Crossing  Committee, 

Association  of  Railway  Telegraph  Supts., 

1003  Penn  Avenue,  Pittsburgh,  Pa. 

Dear  Sir:- 

I  thank  you  for  the  copy  of  the  specifications  for  low 
tension  wire  crossings,  which  you  forwarded  me  on  July  11th. 

These  specifications  are  satisfactory  to  the  Postal 
Telegraph-Cable  Company,  and  you  have  our  permission  to  show 
adoption  of  the  same,  by  our  Company,  on  the  supply  which  you 
are  about  to  have  printed. 

When  the  specifications  are  ready  for  distribution, 

I  would  like  to  arrange  to  secure  25  or  30  copies. 

Yours  very  truly. 


wic-mfm 


Sub:  Wire  Crossing  Specifications. 

The  Western  Union  Telegraph  Company 

195  Broadway 


GEORGE  M.  YORK  E, 

GENE  RAL  SUPERINTENDENT  OF  PLANT 


New  York  July  24,  1913. 
3-S 


Mr.  G.  A.  Cellar,  Chairman, 

Committee  on  Wire  Crossings, 

Association  of  Railway  Telegraph  Sup'ts., 
Pittsburgh,  Pa. 

Dear  Sir:- 


Referring  to  the  Low  Tension  Wire 
Crossing  Specifications  prepared  by  the  Committee 
of  which  you  are  Chairman,  I  would  say  that  these 
specifications  are  satisfactory  to  the  Western 
Union  Telegraph  Company  and  will  be  followed  by 
this  Company  in  crossings  of  its  pole  lines  over 
railroad  rights-of-way. 

Yours  truly, 

W/V 

Gen'l.  Sup't.  of  Plant. 


REC.V 


